AN anonymous “urban warrior” has claimed responsibility for daubing a toilet block with graffiti in protest at its impending closure.

The act of civil disobedience took place under the cover of darkness at 4am on Sunday at West Molesey recreation ground, Walton Road.

The public toilet attack, which took the form of a plea to the council to “keep our loos open” written in red paint, has been condemned for wasting tax payers’ money.

Cllr Jan Fuller, portfolio holder for leisure, added the protest was “premature” as no facilities will be closed before suitable replacements have been found.

As part of efforts to save money, Elmbridge Borough Council (EBC) plans to replace nine brick built conveniences in the borough with a community toilet scheme — with pubs, shops and restaurants paid £600 a year to open up their facilities to the public.

But speaking to the News & Mail the unnamed protester slammed the plans and insisted the vandalism was an act of desperation after EBC failed to seek the views of residents.

“It was the last resort,” she said. “I do not agree with graffiti normally but if it makes a statement then it is ok.

“I am like an urban warrior.”

The woman, who said she would be happy to repaint the wall with a mural if the council reversed its decision, added the idea of a community toilet scheme, similar to one operating in Richmond, was “absolute rubbish”.

She said: “I have got two small children and I would not parade them around pubs. We use the toilets on a regular basis and it’s absolutely appalling that they expect us to go into pubs.

“There has been no consultation — EBC does what EBC wants. They did not consult the residents of Molesey. We have not been given a choice in the matter.

“I only heard about it through the Molesey Residents’ Association (MRA) newsletter and a piece in the News & Mail. I need to make people aware of what is going on.”

MRA councillor Liz Robertson, an outspoken critic of the council’s plans, had sympathy with the aims of the paint-based protest.

She said: “It is interesting that someone cares that much.

“We know the alternatives that are going to be researched. They will be looking to see if they can get quite good coverage of toilet facilities, but I still have doubts that it will be possible in Molesey.”

Cllr Fuller said graffiti should always be seen as anti-social behaviour and councillors were always more than happy to respond to residents concerns when contacted.

She said: “I am disappointed at such a reaction that is going to cost EBC money to clear up. This reaction is premature and not really very helpful.

“I have assured every ward councillor that no toilet would be closed before good suitable facilities were found. We will not close any of them beforehand, so nobody will find that they do not have toilets.

“As a mum who has used the brick built toilets, I know there are better ways forward and that’s what I’m striving to find.”

The graffiti was due to be removed by the council as the News & Mail went to press.